Shuna has been active in the youth development and after school community in Detroit since locating from California in 1998. Shuna currently works for Connect Detroit as the Vice President of Programs. She received her bachelor’s Degree in Human Biology with a concentration in Child Development from Stanford University and earned her Master’s in Education from Harvard University. She has worked in other youth services spaces including the Indiana Youth Institute and the Center for Leadership Development in Indianapolis, Indiana; the Medical Foundation in Boston, Massachusetts; and the Youth Development Commission in Detroit. She also serves on the board of the Michigan Afterschool Association and Wellspring. She was recognized as one of Crain's Detroit 2018 Notable Women in Nonprofits. She and her husband have 4 children.

Jacob Walker joined DTE Energy in 2009 as a participant in their Advanced Degree Development program. He is currently serving
as a Manager for the Center of Excellence focused on strategy and analytics for the Corporate Services organization which is
responsible for DTE Energy’s procurement, warehousing, fleet and facilities operations. Jacob joined DTE Energy in 2009 as a
participant in their Advanced Degree Development program. Prior to his current role, he has served in multiple capacities
including decision support, gross margin, corporate finance, and financial forecasting and analysis. Prior to relocating to Michigan,
Jacob lived in Georgia where he worked for ATT in multiple financial and analytical capacities.
While in Michigan, Jacob has served his community in several ways including the BING Institute as a member of new government
initiative, Real Life 101 a mentoring program focused on inner city black males, and STEP an internal program to DTE Energy
focused on employment opportunities for underexposed youth. Currently he serves as a mentor with the BING Youth Institute, a
mentor program for young black males. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve and be of service to Michigan and its citizens.
Jacob is a graduate of Alabama State University earning a Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Kennesaw State University with
a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.
Jacob was born in Gary, Indiana and currently resides in Detroit, Michigan.

Deirdre Henry is the Assistant Treasurer for Treasury Operations at Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA).  GLWA provides nearly 40 percent of Michigan’s population with water and wastewater services to nearly 30 percent of the state.  Deirdre has also worked in finance and treasury positions at Chrysler Corporation, TD Auto Finance, and Great Expression Dental Centers. She has her MBA from Indiana University and undergraduate education from North Carolina A&T State University. Deirdre is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Heritage Works is her first board appointment.

Ayo Thomas is an arts practitioner, administrator, and advocate. Ayo values agency within creative and cultural spaces and believes that diligence, encouragement, opportunity,  and vision are key to sustainable work. She recognizes that culture is a fundamental expression of people’s relationship with the environment and seeks to reinforce this consciousness in her work.  Ayo holds a Master of Arts in Arts and Cultural Management. ('18) from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (International Relations,  '11) from Fisk University. 

Camille Ann Brewer is a visual artist based in Detroit, Michigan.  Ms. Brewer studied textile design and construction at the California College of Arts and the University of Michigan, where she earned her BFA and MFA respectively.  Ms. Brewer completed a Master in Library and Information Science at Valdosta State University in 2010.  Most recently, Ms. Brewer served as the inaugural curator of contemporary art at the George Washington University Museum and the Textile Museum.  Prior to her work at the Textile Museum, Ms. Brewer served as the executive director of the Black Metropolis Research Consortium, a Chicago-based membership association of libraries, universities, and other archival institutions, based at the University of Chicago.  

Idy Ciss comes to us from Senegal. He credits his grandparents with his natural dance ability. From the time he was five years old, the people from his village loved to watch him dance. He credits the love and support of his family and neighbors as the catalyst which led him to the field of professional dance. Idy is also a teacher and singer of traditional African songs. His professional debut was with Les Ballets Africans Kolaam Serere. Formerly a full-time member of Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago, Idy now consults for the company and teaches at Northwestern University, Columbia College, and Old Town School of Folk Music.